The Jersey Shore Partnership will honor former Urban Coast Institute (UCI) Director and current Senior Ocean Policy Fellow Tony MacDonald with its Hon. S. Thomas Gagliano Founder Award at the organization’s annual Summer Celebration on May 18.
In recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the 2026 celebration will honor America and its coastline under the theme “America’s Shore: 250 Years of Coastal Legacy,” celebrating the leadership, stewardship, and enduring spirit that have shaped the nation and its defining coastal communities. The Summer Celebration brings together corporate leaders, nonprofit organizations, environmental advocates, academics, and elected officials who share a commitment to protecting and preserving New Jersey’s coastline. Held against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean at Sandy Hook, the Summer Celebration honors the people, partnerships, and purpose that sustain the Shore.
Fellow 2026 honorees will include Linda M. Doherty, president and chief executive officer of the New Jersey Food Council, recipient of the Business and Industry Award; and New Jersey State Sens. Vin Gopal (D) and Declan J. O’Scanlon Jr. (R), recipients of the Legislative Leadership Awards. The Hon. Joe and Susan Kyrillos will serve as honorary dinner chairs. Frank and Valerie Montecalvo of the Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies will serve as dinner chairs. Jeanette Hoffman, president of Marathon Public Affairs, and Sharon Franz, sales and marketing director of Steel Pier in Atlantic City, will serve as event chairs for Summer Celebration 2026.
For additional details, visit jerseyshorepartnership.com or contact Jersey Shore Partnership Executive Director Grace Hanlon at 732-910-5000 or grace@jerseyshorepartnership.com.